Quick answer: Try is the everyday word for making an effort (Try to relax); attempt is its formal equivalent (He attempted to escape). Only try can be followed by a gerund to suggest experimenting: Try relaxing (= experiment with relaxing). For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘attempt’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Register | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| try | informal / neutral | try + to-inf OR try + gerund | Try to stay calm. / Try breathing slowly. |
| attempt | formal | attempt + to-inf | She attempted to break the record. |
Using Try
Try is the most common everyday word for making an effort to do something. It can be followed by a to-infinitive (to make an effort) or a gerund (to experiment with a possible solution).
Try to arrive on time. (make an effort)
Try taking the back road. (experiment with it)
I tried calling but there was no answer.
Can you try to be a bit quieter?
Try + Gerund vs Try + To-infinitive
Try to do = make an effort (you might not succeed). Try doing = experiment with something as a possible solution. This distinction is unique to try.
Using Attempt
Attempt is the formal equivalent of try. It is used in academic writing, news reports, and official or legal contexts. As a noun, attempt is very common: a failed attempt, make an attempt.
The climbers attempted to reach the summit in poor weather.
She made a brave attempt to hide her disappointment.
The suspect was charged with attempted robbery.
After three attempts, he finally passed the test.
Common Mistakes
✗ Attempt drinking more water if you feel tired.
✓ Try drinking more water if you feel tired.
✗ I attempted to call you. (stiff in casual conversation)
✓ I tried to call you.
✗ He made a try to fix it.
✓ He made an attempt to fix it. / He gave it a try.
Also confusing: Allow vs Let, Choose vs Decide, Already vs Yet. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Attempt or Try?
Four questions — choose the correct word.
1. “He was convicted of ___ murder.”
2. “___ adding ginger — it might help with nausea.”
3. “She made three ___ before passing the test.”
4. “Can you ___ to speak more slowly, please?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between attempt and try?
Both mean to make an effort to do something, but attempt is more formal. Try is the everyday word used in spoken and informal written English. Attempt is preferred in formal writing, academic texts, and legal language.
Is attempt more formal than try?
Yes. Attempt is the more formal word. In academic writing, news reporting, and official documents, attempt is preferred. Try is more natural in everyday conversation.
What is “try + gerund” used for?
“Try + gerund” means to experiment or test something as a solution: “Try taking a cold shower” means experiment with it to see if it helps. Attempt does not carry this meaning.
What is the grammar pattern for try?
Try can be followed by to-infinitive (making an effort: “Try to relax”) or a gerund (experimenting with a solution: “Try relaxing”). This distinction does not apply to attempt.
Can attempt be a noun?
Yes. Attempt is commonly used as a noun: “a failed attempt”, “an attempt on the record”, “she made three attempts”. Try can also be a noun informally: “give it a try”.
What does “try on” mean?
“Try on” means to put on clothing to see if it fits: “Can I try on this jacket?” Attempt cannot be used in this phrasal verb.
What does “attempt” mean in law?
In legal language, attempt is a specific term meaning an unsuccessful effort to commit a crime: “attempted murder”, “attempted robbery”. Try is not used in these legal expressions.
Can I use both attempt and try in the same text?
Yes, and doing so adds variety. In a formal essay you might write “attempted” in one paragraph and “tried” in another for stylistic variation, as long as the register is consistent.
What is the grammar pattern for attempt?
Attempt can be followed by a to-infinitive or a gerund: “He attempted to climb” or “He attempted climbing”. As a noun: “She made an attempt to escape”.
How do attempt and try appear in IELTS?
In IELTS writing, attempt is appropriate for formal task 2 essays while try is natural in both tasks. Remember that “try + gerund” and “try + infinitive” have different meanings — examiners notice this distinction.